Kenya will open their campaign against Nigeria on May 1, followed by a clash with Tunisia on May 4. They will wrap up the group stage with a high-stakes match against hosts Morocco on May 7.
Rising Stars head coach Salim Babu has officially named his final 26-man squad for the upcoming U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place from April 27 to May 18, 2025, in Egypt. Kenya earned their place in the tournament after a strong showing in the CECAFA qualifiers and are now preparing to take on some of the best young teams on the continent.
The Rising Stars have been placed in a tough Group B, which features powerhouses Morocco, Tunisia, and Nigeria. Ahead of the tournament, the team will travel to Morocco on Friday, April 18, for a 10-day pre-tournament training camp. Despite the formidable opponents, Coach Babu remains optimistic about his side’s chances.
“We acknowledge that we’re in a highly competitive group, but we also understand that to become champions, you must be ready to face the best,” he said. “Our focus is on thorough preparation to give ourselves the best chance of achieving positive results and progressing deep into the tournament.”
The tournament brings together 13 nations vying for the U20 continental crown. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals. The competition wraps up on May 18, 2025.
Coach Babu is confident in the quality and determination of his squad. “This is a well-rounded and strong squad. I believe the boys have what it takes to compete at the highest level and provide great competition at the U20 AFCON. We are not going just to participate—we are going to compete and make our mark.”
Kenya will open their campaign against Nigeria on May 1, followed by a clash with Tunisia on May 4. They will wrap up the group stage with a high-stakes match against hosts Morocco on May 7.
Beyond just the title, there’s more on the line: the semifinalists in the competition will secure a place at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
Final Squad
Goalkeepers:
Kevin Oduor, Wycliford Oduor, Benard Jairo
Defenders:
Baron Ochieng, Humphrey Obino, Jackson Imbiakha, Joseph Bate, Manzur Okwaro, Amos Wanjala, Telena Ochieng, Collins Ochieng
Midfielders:
Kevin Wangaya, Emilio Brian, Irad Mshindi, Humphrey Aroko, Aldrine Kibet, Kelly Madada, Hassan Beja, Ezekiel Omuri, Elly Owande, William Gitama, Javan Omondi, Andreas Odhiambo
Forwards:
Lawrence Ouma, Oliver Machaka, Mark Shaban